Patriotism

**Every Friday · 7:00 PM** **Location:** Google Meet **Join here:** [https://meet.google.com/jvc-ajhk-vci](https://meet.google.com/jvc-ajhk-vci) Can’t make it out in person? Join your DTs friends for our Weekly Virtual Happy Hour - a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind, chat, and connect from wherever you are. This is an easygoing online gathering for conversation, laughter, and connection. Whether you’re a longtime member, someone who hasn’t joined us in a while, or brand new to Dulles Triangles, you are welcome. Bring your favorite drink, get comfortable, and drop in when you can. **No RSVP is required.** Just click the Google Meet link and join us. Please note: On occasion, Virtual Happy Hour may be cancelled or rescheduled. We’ll share updates as soon as we’re able. Come relax, connect, and find your tribe with DTs - from anywhere. 💙💻

Please join members of the Fairlington Social Club for a "Sunset Happy Hour @ Columbia Island Marina" on Friday May 22, 2026 from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM to begin your 3-day Memorial Day holiday weekend. Columbia Island Marina is on an island in the Potomac River near the Pentagon. While it is part of the District of Columbia, it is located on the Virginia side of the river and can only be reached from the southbound lane of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. From Interstate 395 Northbound leaving Shirlington, take Exit 8B "Pentagon/Arlington Cemetery/Rosslyn" and bear left on Virginia State Route 27 East, drive past the Pentagon, cross the bridge over Virginia State Route 110, stay in the right lane to take the George Washington Memorial Parkway southbound exit "Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport/Alexandria/Mount Vernon/I-395", then turn right at the sign into the Columbia Island Marina. Free parking is available at the Columbia Island Marina. Join your friends from the Fairlington Social Club for food and drink to a have a little change in attitude, change in latitude. Look for the six foot long Fairlington Social Club banner under the marina pavilion to find the group.

Every Friday night at 7:30pm you are welcome to attend the Covenant Life Church School of Holy Spirit. Whether you are just beginning in the prophetic or a seasoned saint, the Friday night School of the Holy Spirit provides the opportunity to be trained and exercised in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The sessions are taught by Apostle/Prophets Jeff & Linda Herbert who are ordained by Christian International. They are fully certified by CI to raise and train using the Manual for Ministering Spiritual Gifts and the Apostolic Prophetic Training series. Everyone who is willing will have the opportunity to pray for others during the activation times and will be used in their gifts. All sessions are free. Everyone is welcome. Childcare is not provided. For additional information: www.covenant-life-church.org

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I accept**" to be permitted on the hike. **7.4 miles with an elevation gain of 210+ feet.** **Description:** In honor of Memorial day we will begin our hike from the **[Columbia Island Marina](https://boatingindc.com/columbia-island-marina/)** parking lot and proceed along the **[Mount Vernon Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm)offering a splendid view of the **Potomac River** and well-known **Landmarks.** Arriving at the **[Arlington National Cemetery](https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/#/),** we will need to go through **security**. Once in the cemetery we will visit the **[JFK Memorial](https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/explore/monuments-and-memorials/president-john-f-kennedy-gravesite)**, the **[Arlington House](https://www.nps.gov/arho/index.htm)** and the **[Tomb of the Unknown Soldier](https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Monuments-and-Memorials/Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier).** There is the option of witnessing the **changing of the guard** at the Tomb which takes place on the half hour. Please consider ***wearing a white top*** to make it easier to identity group members as their will be a lot of people. **Pace:** The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant and sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome. **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**[ ](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Weather:** weather for this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/434885816dced9dd270292ef3091a4d5d474bc898df914d47c36585a0f98d1c2).** **Where to Meet:** We will meet up in the **Columbia Island Marina** parking lot. GPS Coordinates: 38.87651,-77.04947 [Google Map link](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'35.4%22N+77%C2%B002'58.1%22W/@38.8761704,-77.0494217,18.33z/data=!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.8765!4d-77.0494722) Thank you so much for being ready to hike at 9:00 am to allow time to check-in and be ready to leave on time at 9:30 am. Please note that there are **Facilities** at **Columbia Island Mariana**, at **Arlington Visitor's Center** and at the **Arlington House**. **Arlington National Cemetery [Map](https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Map-of-ANC) .** **Post Hike Fellowship**: **Island Time Grill** at **Columbia Island Marina** Feel Free to reach out via text with any questions, Dawn K 703 533 9231 If you do text me, thank you for including your name.

For some reason I can’t stop thinking about this. I really want to do the whole C&O towpath next year. I just impulse bought all the bike spots on the Floridian 40 to Cumberland at 3:57pm on the Friday of memorial day 2026. As that is almost a year away I will post more about it later but this is just my obsession right now so here is the basic information: * splits are roughly 60/60/60 with a little wiggle room depending on which campsites we go with and how much we do Friday night * the cost of this trip is $53 for your train ticket * for this train, you can just hand your bike fully loaded to the guy at the train luggage car and they will give it back to you at the platform in Cumberland, super easy * I’m making this VMO+previous bike experience, we don’t really have bikepacking levels but you should be confident with basic bike maintenance and have the knowledge, tools and materials to fix a flat tire, fix a broken chain, wrenches for your bike’s nuts and bolts, etc. you should also have a bailout plan in case of emergency since nobody will have a car * you will need a bike that can handle gravel * the tickets are changeable and refundable so you can catch the train at a different spot if it would be more convenient (Alexandria, Rockville) Map (please add any fun side quests or food!): https://caltopo.com/m/0U4NSRV/AAB0T1CNG65HMTAK I can take 4!

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

The 589th Engineer Battalion was organized, manned, armed and equipped from scratch at Fort Hood, TX in July 1966. We deployed on three ships to Qui Nhon, Vietnam in April 1967 for further inland movement to An Khe. I served in the 589th for 22 months from Day 1. We lost 25 brothers in Vietnam, interred in cemeteries across the US. Sergeant Raymond Gray is the only 589th casualty at Arlington National Cemetery. SGT Gray has no living family to remember him. A group of local 589th veterans 'adopted' him and has been honoring his grave over the years. Bill Brumbaugh, Don Hazen and I are the only ones left in the area, but the tradition will be continued this year. Join us for a brief memorial service and the annual placement of flowers on SGT Gray's grave site. A uniformed US Army Bugler from the US Army Band will sound a stirring rendition of Taps. We will stop afterward at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier for the moving ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. Lunch afterward at Matchbox Restaurant, 1100 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, nearby.

The District Language Exchange meets every Sunday evening around central DC or Arlington. Come practice Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and more! This week (May 24) we will be meeting at Mission in Dupont Circle from 4-7pm. Note: Mission is a 21+ bar, bring ID. Check us out on social media to find out where the week's exchange will be! Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange](https://www.facebook.com/groups/districtlanguageexchange) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/](https://www.instagram.com/dclangx/)

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

Coffee & Bitcoin is coming to ***Old Town Alexandria @ King St Metro*** **[Bitcoin District](https://bitcoindistrict.org/)** is a community of Bitcoiners living & working in the greater DMV metro area. Join us for a "Coffee & Bitcoin" meetup where we'll talk about what's happening in the world of Bitcoin. We highly encourage anyone who is new to Bitcoin or just a little curious to come and ask questions... don't be shy! 🚗 Nearby street & public garage parking 🚆 From DC, Take the YELLOW line to King St-Old Town Metro **Our events are *Bitcoin focused* and we generally avoid discussing other coins & tokens. Nothing discussed during this meetup is financial advice. Always do your own research.**

**Sun out… vibes UP ☀️🍾** **This Memorial Day Weekend \(Sunday 5/24/26 \| 4–7PM\) we’re bringing the heat to the water aboard the Spirit of Washington 🚢✨** **Day party energy hits different when you’ve got:
🎶 DJs setting the tone
🥂 Drinks in hand
🌊 Breezes off the Potomac
🌆 Daylight views turning into golden hour magic** **Dress in your flyest all-white and come ready to flirt, dance, and be seen 😏** **It’s only 3 hours… but we’re making every minute count ⏳** **Tickets going fast—don’t get left on the dock 👀** **\*\***\***\***\***\*Get your early bird tickets here - before prices increase! \***\*\***\***\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-memorial-day-weekend-pier-pressure-party-cruise-tickets-1984616982820** **Note : Please arrive early to allow time for parking and boarding . We have set start time for 3:30 and will update meeting spot upon arrival. We will go to dinner after the ship docks -place to TBD** 
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**Lock yours in now and meet us on the water 💫\*\*\*\*\*\*** **#DayPartySeason #MemorialDayWeekend #DCEvents #AllWhiteAffair #YachtVibes**

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."